After years of reading on my phone, I decided to go back to reading real, physical books.
I missed the feeling of holding a paper book, turning the pages, and smelling the paper.
But there’s a problem with picking up this hobby when you are in your late 40s.
1st, I need to wrap the book cover nicely; was it just me? Then, I need to get my glasses, I cannot just zoom in to increase the font.
I need sufficient light too. It cannot be too bright, not too dim, not from the front (migrain aku nanti), and not right at your back where I can see my own shadow covering the page. Finding that angle is crucial for smooth reading.
Sitting down (while half laying) for too long is not conducive to my back. After a few pages, my back starts protesting, and the book itself is surprisingly heavy to hold up after some time. Is the book heavier than my phone?
No wonder people switch to online reading. Still, despite the extra prep work, there is nothing quite like disconnecting from screens and turning a real page.
It was an honour to be part of history on AirBorneo’s inaugural flight to KUL.
Supposed to be a quick day trip with less than an hour on the ground at KLIA, but a minor technical error delayed our return. Takpe la, yang penting selamat, kan.
Even though it was a super short and tiring trip (memang the whole time dalam departure hall je), sempat la jugak tapao roti Gardenia & Massimo bawak balik.
Harap AirBorneo terus maju jaya untuk Sarawakku Sayang.
I have wanted to make my own fruit jam for a long time, and I finally did it!
I love eating fruit jam on toast. But most jams from the store are way too sweet. You taste the sugar more than the real fruit. It is very hard to find a jam that is less sweet in supermarkets here.
So, I decided to make my own at home.
My Simple Ingredients
For my first try, I used:
1 packet of frozen mixed berries
A handful of fresh mulberries from my garden
1 Local gula nisan (palm sugar) for sweetness
Chia seeds to make the jam thick without adding too much sugar.
Cooking it on the stove smelled amazing!
With 1 whole piece of the gula nisan, the jam still tasted sour.
It made me realize how much sugar must be added into the store-bought jam to make it so sweet.
Even though it was sour, I was happy with the outcome.
Tips I found online.
If your homemade jam is too sour, here are a few simple ways to fix it without adding cups of white sugar:
Add a tiny pinch of salt: A little salt helps cut down the sour taste and brings out the natural sweet flavor of the fruit.
Try honey or maple syrup: Mixing a little honey with gula nisan can help soften the sharp sourness of berries.
Let the chia seeds rest: Chia seeds take 15 to 20 minutes to soak up the juices and thicken the jam properly. Let the jam sit off the heat before putting it in a jar.
*update: After 2 days in the fridge, the jam tasted so good, not too sour anymore.
Vienna, 14 September 2025, 10:08 am, right before High Mass.
This is how a Sunday morning starts in Vienna. The loud, beautiful sound of the cathedral bells fills the air at Stephansdom.
Walking across the busy square on a cool, cloudy morning, you can really feel the energy of the city. People are walking around, and everyone is drawn to the tall towers and the colorful, patterned roof of the church.
The heartbeat of Vienna. Hearing the famous Pummerin bell ring just before the morning church service is pure magic. The deep sound echoes over the stone streets, pulling you in.
Following the crowd past the old stone carvings and walk through the heavy wooden doors. Once inside, the feeling changes completely. The loud noise from outside fades away into a huge, quiet space. You see tall stone pillars reaching up to a very high ceiling, and a special red-and-white floor leads your eyes straight to the front of the church.
The Pummerin (also called the Mary Bell) is the huge, famous main bell of St. Stephen's Cathedral. People call it the "voice of Austria" because it has so much history behind it. When it rings for Sunday service, the sound is so strong that you can actually feel it in your chest.
I keep forgetting when and where I bought my things from.
Looking back at our travel memories, these are the 3 leather handbags that I bought in Korea during our trip back in 2023. Along with them, I picked up an orange purse, a matching orange coin purse, and a black card holder. Every single one is made of genuine leather and are Korean-brand. Until today, they are still in great condition.
Moving forward, I’m going to share my other handbag purchases and their origins before they all slip my mind. I want to hold onto these beautiful memories for as long as I can.
The Ultimate Sweet Guide to Vienna: Why You Must Try Kaiserschmarrn at Demel
When people think of Vienna, your mind instantly drifts to visions of classic imperial architecture, classical music, and, of course, a warm plate of Apple Strudel. But if you want to eat like a local and experience the Viennese comfort food, there is another royal dessert you absolutely cannot miss: Kaiserschmarrn (I don’t even know how to pronounce this).
And if you want the absolute best, you need to head straight to the legendary Demel Cafe.
What Exactly is Kaiserschmarrn?
Think of it as the ultimate upgrade to your standard breakfast pancake.
Kaiserschmarrn is a shredded, ultra-fluffy pancake. The batter is light, airy, and often contains rum-soaked raisins. It's cooked to a beautiful golden brown, torn into bite-sized pieces right in the pan, and lightly caramelized with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Served hot, it’s soft, pillowy, and completely melts in your mouth.
Demel Cafe
Demel is a historic institution in Vienna. Founded in 1786, it was once the official pastry shop of the Austrian royal family. While their main, historic flagship branch is nestled in the streets of Kohlmarkt near the Hofburg Palace, they have fantastic presence across the old town.
But for the most convenient—and scenic—experience, head straight to their highly popular takeaway pop-up spot right in front of Stephansdom (St. Stephen's Cathedral).
The Unbeatable Combo:
Grabbing a steaming hot box of freshly made Kaiserschmarrn and eating it right outside with a direct view of the stunning, gothic Stephansdom architecture. The view and the food together are an absolute dream.
How is it Served & Price?
At Demel, they don't skimp on tradition. Your fluffy, hot pancake pieces are topped generously with a traditional tart fruit compote, usually Zwetschkenröster (stewed plum jam) or apple sauce—which perfectly balances the sweetness of the sugar. A convenient takeaway box of this royal treat will cost you around €9.00.
Considering the premium quality, the rich history, and the fact that you get to bypass the notoriously long queues for indoor cafe seating, it is worth every single cent.
If you are planning your next stroll through the heart of Vienna's old town, make sure to look out for the Demel stand. Eat it hot, take in the cathedral views, and enjoy a slow, perfect Viennese moment.
My shopping between London and Berlin, excludes food and souvenirs:
London: Harrods, Heathrow Terminal 5
ON (Cloud) white sneakers
Fun fact: Origin - Switzerland (Zurich), known for their "CloudTec" cushioning, ON has revolutionized performance with a distinct, minimalist Swiss aesthetic.
Stanley Aerolight Tumbler
Berlin: Primark, Alexanderplatz
Footwear: Green slip-ons and a pair of slippers.
Apparel: Grey top and 2 black "Berlin" shirts.
Luggage: black suitcase.
Fun fact: Origin -Ireland (Dublin), founded in 1969 as "Penneys," it is the go-to for high-volume, affordable trend pieces and travel essentials.
Berlin: GALERIA Berlin Alexanderplatz
Braun Büffel: Red leather handbag.
Fun Fact: Origin - Germany (Kirn), established in 1887, Braun Büffel is a world-renowned German leather house. The brand is synonymous with the "Buffalo" logo, representing strength, durability, and the exceptional quality of their leather tanning and stitching.
Berlin: Mall of Berlin
Lloyd: Black leather shoes.
Lloyd: Dark brown leather shoes.
Fun fact on Llyod: Origin - Germany (Bremen), a heritage German brand founded in 1888. They are famous for the "Red Stripe" on the heel, symbolizing high-quality craftsmanship and technical precision.
Gabor: Blue suede leather heels.
Fun fact on Gabor: Origin -Germany (Rosenheim), founded in 1949, Gabor is one of Germany’s most successful footwear manufacturers. They are highly regarded for their "Best Fitting" technology, ensuring that high heels remain comfortable for long-term wear.
When our connecting flight to Doha was abruptly cancelled, and a surprise layover in London? This was an intervention I was more than willing to accept.
My colleague, who frequents London, and I stayed at the Sofitel London Heathrow Terminal 5. However, we didn't linger in the room. Our check-in was fast and efficient, and we were on a mission. The sun was dipping, and there was a specific, monumental check-in I needed to make.
Took the tube, stepping out from Westminster Station, there it was: The Elizabeth Tower, home to the great bell known as Big Ben. Seeing it for the first time was, quite simply, worth the entire layover detour.
It is a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture—all intricate stone carvings and monochromatic, cool-toned symmetry that deeply appeals to my personal aesthetic. It isn't just a clock; it is 800 years of resilience and history standing on the bank of the Thames. I stood there for a while, just absorbing as much as I could of the beauty of this place. The wind was cold, and the night was perfectly wonderful.
Next, we headed toward West London. Our next stops: BayswaterNotting Hill, had our dinner and did some shopping.
Bayswater is a fascinating, diverse neighborhood known for its elegant mix of Victorian terraces and a vibrant, multicultural energy. Walking down the main strip of Queensway, you can see an endless array of international restaurants—from Cantonese and Persian grills to traditional Greek tavernas, Italian trattorias, and even Malaysian and Indonesian restaurants.
While we browsed a few curated boutiques, the real convenience was the abundance of grocery stores along the street. There is aMarks & Spencer Foodhall, aWaitrose, and the organic-focused Planet Organic, alongside smaller Mediterranean and Middle Eastern specialty grocers.
I did some cookie shopping at M&S and also managed to find some classic London souvenirs, like pens and keychains, to bring back home. Taking photos at a classic London phone booth really completed my London visit in such a short timeframe.
London is not as scary as I saw on social media. People are friendly, but don't take my words for it, coz I was there for only less than 24 hours.
When our connecting flight to Doha was abruptly cancelled, I tried to accept my fate without complaining (too much!). But honestly? A surprise layover in London is the kind of "intervention" I really appreciate.
We landed at Terminal 4, checkout and immigration process was surprisingly smooth. I was traveling with a colleague who had just visited London a few months ago, which made the transition seamless.
To get to our stay, we took the train from Terminal 4, changed at Terminal 2, and headed toward Terminal 5. Our home for the night was the Sofitel London Heathrow. The hotel is a short walk from the station. In fact, it is nearer than the Sama Sama Hotel in KLIA1.
The check-in was fast and efficient, which was a blessing because we were on a mission. I didn't take any photos of the hotel room or the lobby because we were rushing to catch a glimpse of London city. When you only have a few hours, every minute counts.
The breakfast at the Sofitel was definitely one of the highlights of the stay. The spread wasn't massive, but the quality was exceptional.
Of course, I couldn't leave without trying the famous Black Pudding (also known as blood sausage). Black Pudding is a distinct type of regional blood sausage made from pork or beef blood, with pork fat, and a cereal, usually oatmeal, oat groats, or barley groats. It’s seasoned with herbs like pennyroyal to give it that deep, earthy flavor. I’m glad I tried it for the experience, but it’s not for me. I’ll prefer the classic English meat sausage anytime.
A cancelled flight usually sounds like a nightmare, but this layover was a reminder that sometimes the best travel memories are the ones you didn't plan. From the smooth transit at Heathrow to that savory London breakfast, it was a detour worth taking.
I want a beautiful backyard garden. But I don’t think I will ever get it.
Sometimes I realize I don’t actually want the thing — I want the feeling of wanting it. The anticipation, the imagining, the version of life where everything still sparkles. Once it becomes real, ordinary, mine… the excitement quietly fades.
I can spend so much time dreaming about it, picturing how perfect it would feel. But when I finally have it, it just becomes another part of everyday life. Maybe I wasn’t chasing the thing — I was chasing the hope attached to it.
Funny how desire feels electric, but ownership feels calm… almost too calm. The dream had butterflies. Reality has maintenance, routine, and silence.
Sometimes the imagination is richer than reality. In my head, I can imagine everything is magical, effortless, beautiful. In real life, it’s still nice — just no longer thrilling.
Something is intoxicating about longing. Once you have what you longed for, it stops being a dream and starts being something you have to water, clean, protect, and maintain.
Maybe I don’t lose interest — maybe the excitement belonged to the journey, not the destination. The wanting gave me energy, gave me hope.
Sometimes I think we are not meant to collect things, but moments of anticipation. The waiting, the planning, the dreaming — that’s where the magic lives.
I dreamed of a beautiful backyard garden… not the watering schedule, the fallen leaves, the insects, the pruning, the upkeep. Turns out the fantasy was effortless; reality grows with responsibility.
Well, lucky me, I bought an apartment with a nice garden that I can enjoy and one that I don’t have to maintain. That’s another story for another day.
Hallstatt had always been on my wish list, if I ever visited Europe, and in September 2025, we finally made it happen as a day trip from Salzburg. It was a long journey, but absolutely worth it.
We took two trains followed by a boat ride to reach the beautiful village, with a total travel time taking about three hours each way. Our train departed Salzburg Hauptbahnhof at 6:00 am, luckily, we stayed at a hotel within walking distance of the station. That alone made the early start much easier.
Before boarding, we picked up some fresh buns from the station. You can either buy from Anker Bakery or BackWerk, or from the SPAR, however this grocery store opens at 6am. One of the things we loved about train travel in Austria is how convenient it is—you can bring your own food on board, and eat comfortably. We had also booked reserved seats, which meant all 4 of us could can sit together at a table. Small detail, big difference.
The journey was long, good thing was the train was spacious, clean, and very comfortable, with changing landscapes slowly unfolding outside the windows. It was the kind of travel that allows you to relax, chat, snack a little, and simply enjoy the experience rather than rush through it.
By the time we transferred to the boat, the excitement really kicked in. Gliding across the lake toward Hallstatt felt almost unreal— the water sound, scenic, and incredibly peaceful. It was the perfect introduction to a village that feels like it belongs in a postcard.
We had a great time at Hallstatt, great food, sweet, freshly baked pastries, lots of photos and videos.
We had lunch at Seehotel Grüner Baum, which features a beautiful lakeside terrace. It was truly a high-end experience. The hotel is more than just a place to stay; it is a landmark that has hosted Empress Sisi and many other famous figures. Although we hadn't made an advance booking, we walked in to reserve a table for lunch as soon as we reached the village. We tried the Reinanke, a must-eat in Hallstatt. This Alpine fish comes from the pristine, cold waters of Lake Hallstatt, which produce some of the most delicate and delicious freshwater fish in Europe. The fish was simply grilled with butter, lemon, and parsley.
Even with the early start and long travel hours, the day trip was absolutely worth it. Hallstatt was charming, serene, and unforgettable—and the journey itself became part of the experience.
1. Night of Destiny by Vanessa K - this online novel has 2808 chapters in it. Crazy long-winded story. No, I didn’t finish reading it. 2. Kiss the sky. The more I read it, the more it feels like reading Keeping Up with the Kardashians. So I stopped. 3. The Longing of Lone Wolves 4. That Prince Is A Girl: The Vicious King's Slave Mate
Last November was my first ever trip to Mulu National Park in Sarawak. Despite working more than ten years of my career in the tourism industry, this was the first time I finally had the opportunity to visit one of Sarawak's most iconic and breathtaking attractions.
After years of promoting this UNESCO World Heritage Site, I arrived only to have the visit feel like the ultimate teaser trailer. I was only able to walk around the main entrance area and didn't get to visit any of the caves.
That was because my main purpose for traveling there was to attend an event held at Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa. While the resort and the surrounding jungle atmosphere were incredible, the deep, dark secrets of the caves will, unfortunately, have to wait for another time.
However, even a quick trip to Mulu’s entrance area offers its own rewards. I manage to pick up a few precious souvenirs, making sure to support local artisans. I came away with a beautiful woven bakul (a traditional basket) and a lovely necklace. It’s a great way to remember the trip and ensure that the local community benefits from the tourism surrounding the park.
Mulu, you've offered me a magnificent tease. The caves might have to wait, next trip, maybe.
There was a time when I would stress over every small thing.
If I plan to cook, I must cook — no excuses. If I missed an ingredient, I’d rush back out, annoyed with myself, determined to “stick to the plan.”
Well… not anymore.
These days, if I reach home and suddenly remember I forgot to buy the chicken, I just steer my car straight into the porch, take a deep breath, and open a food-delivery app. Even though the grocery store is just two minutes away.
And I’ve stopped feeling bad about it.
Maybe it’s age. Maybe it’s experience. Remember this burned? Life has taught me something important: sometimes you have to listen to the universe. Things happened for a reason. Maybe it’s saving you from a kitchen disaster. Or maybe it’s reminding you that rest is a valid reason too. Maybe it’s dangerous to go for a drive when you’re angry with yourself.
So is this bad? Is it pure laziness?
I think it’s wisdom wrapped in practicality. It’s knowing that your energy is limited, your time is precious, and your peace of mind matters more than forcing yourself to chase perfection over a piece of chicken.
So that night we had prosperity burgers, bukan selalu dapat beli ni kan 😄
If ordering food instead of driving two minutes makes me lazy, then it's fine, I accept the title.
But I like to believe it’s something else: choosing ease, choosing comfort, choosing myself, is what I think most important now.
And at this stage of life, that feels just right.
I think it goes the same with my career, ohh well..
Unrelated photo in Salzburg, coz all I care now is when can I travel next.
The famous Ankeruhr Clock, which I’d read so much about, was literally just a few steps away from our Pension. We knew we had to catch the main event!
We wanted to see the full parade, which happens daily at 12:00 noon. This meant we had to rush after attending High Mass at St. Stephen's Cathedral. Well, not really rushing, it's just about 3-5 minute walk from St Stephen's, but we had to stop by at our room for a toilet break because the High Mass was longer than we expected.
The Grand, Yet Reserved, Spectacle.
The midday show is the most complete, featuring all twelve of the clock's historical figures in a full procession that typically lasts between 12 to 15 minutes.
As the clock began its performance, we watched the historical figures—which represent important personalities from Austrian history like Marcus Aurelius, Charlemagne, and Empress Maria Theresa—slowly move across the bridge connecting the two faces of the clock. Each figure is accompanied by music from their respective era, culminating with the figure for midnight (Joseph Haydn).
This is a piece of living history and art worth seeing once, especially since it was so close to our stay.
If you missed the full 12 PM parade at The Ankeruhr Clock in Vienna, don’t worry — here’s my video capturing the entire show from start to finish.
Our first meal in Vienna was at Weibel’s Wirtshaus, a cozy Austrian restaurant listed in the Michelin Guide, located just a few minutes’ walk from Stephansdom.
I couldn’t find any online booking option for this restaurant, so when our arrival in Vienna was earlier than expected, we decided to walk in for an early lunch. We were their first customers of the day — lucky us!
Here’s what we ordered:
🥩 Wiener Schnitzel – of course! (€27.90)
🥩 Zwiebelrostbraten (roast beef with onions) – (€29.00)
🍎 Apfelstrudel – (€9.00)
Everything was delicious — hearty, traditional Austrian flavors that instantly made us feel we were truly in Vienna.
When I went to the counter to make payment, the waiter politely stopped me and explained the proper dining etiquette in Austria: you don’t go to the counter. Instead, you wait at your table, and the waiter will come to clear your plates. That’s the moment you ask for the bill and make payment right there at your seat.
Of course, good service in Austria comes with a little gratitude — a tip of around 5–10% is customary, though you can always give more if you want.
It was a lovely first taste of Austrian hospitality — both on the plate and in the service.
Sometimes the best beauty finds are completely unplanned. They happen when you’re rushed, slightly exhausted from travel, and just trying to kill time before boarding.
My latest finding was born exactly this way, in the busy duty-free section at Vienna Airport.
I wasn't looking for a new lipstick, but then I saw this black-gold tube of a Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge. I quickly swiped a tester onto my hand, and I'm lovin' it.
The Number to Know: Lancôme 274
The color is simply magical. It’s that balance of a soft, dusty rose and a warm nude. It’s effortless, not too bright. It’s the kind of shade you can throw on without a mirror and never worry about.
It has that classic creamy formula that Lancôme is known for, feeling hydrating but still managing to stay put through a strong airport coffee.
I want to remember this number for my future reference.
Thank you, Vienna, for the beautiful memory and the even more beautiful lip color!
From Vienna to Salzburg, to the fairytale village of Hallstatt, and finally across the border into Freilassing, Germany, our journey was graced by stunning churches at every turn.
The Catholic churches we visited along our journey included some for Mass (even more than once at St. Stephen's), some for an organ concert, some for quiet prayer, and others for just a quick glimpse of their timeless beauty. Each one held its own story, with its own charm and majestic traditional pipe organs.
These visits were not just stops along our itinerary but moments that deepened our journey, adding layers of beauty, peace, and inspiration along the way.
Vienna
1. St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom)
Architectural Style: Romanesque and Gothic.
Date: The current building dates to the 12th century, with major Gothic reconstruction in the 14th and 15th centuries.
Organ Size: It houses several organs, most notably the main organ with 125 stops and 9,000 pipes, making it one of the largest in Europe.
Interesting Fact: The cathedral's roof features a magnificent tile mosaic depicting the double-headed eagle of the Austrian Empire and the coat of arms of Vienna.
2. St. Peter's Church (Peterskirche)
Architectural Style: Baroque.
Date: The current building was completed in 1733, on the site of one of the city's oldest churches.
Organ Size: It features a historic organ built by the famous organ builder Johann Ignaz Egedacher in 1751.
3. St. Michael's Church (Michaelerkirche)
Architectural Style: Romanesque and Gothic.
Date: The church's origins trace back to the 13th century, making it one of the oldest parish churches in Vienna. The current building has elements from various periods.
Organ Size: The church features a famous Haydn Organ, built by Franz Josef Poldl in 1745.
Interesting Fact: The church is known for its incredible catacombs , which contain mummified bodies in open coffins, preserved by the unique climate and soil.
4. Minoritenkirche (Church of the Minorites)
Architectural Style: French Gothic.
Date: The foundation stone was laid in 1276, and the church was completed in the mid-14th century.
Organ Size: It has a significant organ with 42 stops, built by the Italian organ builder Rieger in 1904.
Interesting Fact: The church houses a mosaic replica of Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, commissioned by Napoleon. It's also one of Vienna's first Gothic churches.
5. Votivkirche (Votive Church)
Date:1879 (Neo-Gothic).
Organ: Historic Walcker organ (built 1878) — a significant Romantic-era instrument (often noted in organ literature).
Interesting Fact: Built as a votive church after the attempted assassination of Emperor Franz Joseph; its twin spires make it a landmark.
6. St. Charles's Church (Karlskirche)
Architectural Style: High Baroque.
Date: Completed in 1737.
Organ Size: The main organ was built in 1739 and has 27 stops.
Interesting Fact: This church was built by Emperor Charles VI in fulfillment of a vow he made during a plague epidemic.
7. Jesuit Church (Universitätskirche)
Architectural Style: Baroque.
Date: The church was originally built in the early 17th century, but its famous Baroque interior and facade were created during a major renovation by the Italian architect Andrea Pozzo from 1703-1705.
Organ Size: The main organ was built by the famous organ builder Johann Joseph Prackh in 1733 and has 26 stops.
Interesting Fact: The ceiling features a spectacular illusionistic fresco by Andrea Pozzo, which makes the flat roof appear to be a towering dome.
Salzburg
8. Andräkirche (St. Andrew's Church)
Architectural Style: Neo-Gothic.
Date: Consecrated in 1898.
Organ Size: It has an organ with 37 stops.
Interesting Fact: The church was built to serve the rapidly growing Neustadt (New Town) district of Salzburg in the late 19th century. It's known for its prominent twin towers, which are a familiar sight in the city.
9. Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom)
Architectural Style: Early Baroque.
Date: Consecrated in 1628.
Organ Size: It features seven organs, with the main organ having over 4,000 pipes.
Interesting Fact:Mozart was baptized here and later served as the cathedral organist.
10. St. Peter's Abbey (Stift St. Peter)
Architectural Style: Primarily Romanesque and Rococo.
Date: Founded in 696 A.D., making it one of the oldest monasteries in the German-speaking world.
Organ Size: The abbey church has an organ with 32 stops.
Interesting Fact: The abbey's cemetery and catacombs were a filming location for the movie, The Sound of Music.
11. Kollegienkirche (Collegiate / University Church)
Year completed: early 18th century (designed by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach).
Organ: Important baroque church used for concerts; organ specifications vary with performances and historic restorations. salzburg.info
Interesting fact: Major baroque landmark in Salzburg’s Old Town and a well-known concert venue (noted for light-filled interior and acoustics)
12. St. Francis Church (Franziskanerkirche)
Architectural Style: Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque.
Date: The original Romanesque basilica was consecrated in 1221, with the Gothic choir added in the late 14th century.
Organ Size: The church has a main organ with 35 stops. The organ loft is also notable for its beautiful Rococo design.
Interesting Fact: This church is one of the oldest in Salzburg and combines several architectural styles. The contrast between the simple, dark Romanesque nave and the soaring, light-filled Gothic choir is especially striking.
13. Chapel of Archbishop Leonhard also known as St. George's Chapel (St. Georgs-Kapelle)
Architectural Style: Late Gothic.
Date:1501.
Interesting Fact: The chapel is located within the Hohensalzburg Fortress and is known for its exquisite stone carvings and the family crests of the archbishops.
Hallstatt
14. Catholic Parish Church of the Assumption
Architectural Style: Late Gothic.
Date:14th century.
Organ Size: small, historic organ.
Interesting Fact: Due to its small churchyard, the church has a Beinhaus (Charnel House) next to it, where exhumed skulls are painted and displayed.
I attended ITB China for the first time in May 2025, and it was truly an exciting and eye-opening experience.
The event was held at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center, one of the city’s most modern and impressive venues. The atmosphere was vibrant — filled with travel professionals, tourism boards, and industry players from all over the world, each showcasing their destinations and innovations.
We stayed at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel, Shanghai, a comfortable, elegant hotel by the river. Every morning, we travelled about 20–25 minutes by van to the venue.
The weather in Shanghai in May was simply pleasant — warm during the day and cool at night, perfect for evening strolls along The Bund or exploring the Yu Garden area after a long day at the exhibition. It was quite a contrast from my previous trip in March 2024, when the cold wind made every night feel freezing and foggy.
Overall, ITB China 2025 was not only a productive trip but also a memorable one. The combination of meaningful business meetings, and beautiful weather made the experience even more rewarding.
